Prison officer will be taking Safer Route

The 60-year-old is sailing to the UK tomorrow evening. He will start his 982-mile ride in Cornwall on Monday morning.

He hopes to reach the north of Scotland on Friday 18 August.

He is raising money for three charities – Diabetes Guernsey, the RNLI, and Hannah House Children’s Respite Care in Leeds.

‘I’ve been ready to go for some time now. I’m bricking it, but I’m very prepared. There’s nothing more I can do in terms of preparation,’ said Mr Chapman.

His training schedule for the past three months has included regular 25-mile rides around the island while carrying 27kg of luggage which he will store in panniers attached to his gravel bike throughout his journey.

‘I’m carrying food, a Jetboil [stove], clothes, a tent, a sleeping bag, roll pack and cooking gear. Food is particularly important for me as I’m diabetic.

‘I’ve also done a number of practice camps, as camps will be my main accommodation for the journey, so I know roughly how long it will take to pack and unpack everything each day.’

Mr Chapman’s route, which is inspired by The Safer Route book by Royston Wood, will take in a mix of national cycleways, disused railways and canal tow-paths.

He hopes to cycle about 65 miles each day, but said that some days would be harder than others due to occasional steep terrain.

‘Devon and Cornwall will be difficult, so I’m glad to be getting those out of the way early on.

‘There’s also a 492m mountain to negotiate when I get to the Lake District.’

Mr Chapman has already raised more than £3,000. His target is £4,500.

‘I’m very grateful to those who are sponsoring me and helping cover my personal expenses, including Lord Digby Jones, Norman Piette and MRW Installations.

‘I also want to thank my colleagues, who have raised over £1,300, and the prisoners, who have given me lots of moral support.’

n Details of how to donate to via JustGiving are at https://bit.ly/4758FYN

Mr Chapman will be documenting his journey via his Instagram account – @29chapperslejog.